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Thread: Power for laptop

  1. 24th March 2013, 07:40 PM #1
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    Question Power for laptop

    G'day guys/gals,
    Just wondering how you power your laptops that some of you use in your cars. As I understand it, computers are 12V, so theoretically I should be able to run it straight from the car.
    We've recently bought a new laptop (HP) so we can run mapping etc on it as well as the usual internet stuff that's needed when travelling.
    So my main question is, can the comp be powered straight from the car, or do we "have" to run an inverter. We run a duel bat, so I can run it directly from that, or the main crank, but not sure which is best.
    Any info will be greatly appreciated.
    Cheers
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  2. 24th March 2013, 08:20 PM #2
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    I've personally never seen a direct hook it to automotive 12v laptop.

    they all have some funky voltage from 8.5 through to 21V, fortunately you can buy 12v power supplies that via the use of specialist connectors to suit the laptops native power in socket will provide you with the correct power to run the laptop from the cig socket on your car.

    Ive got one that runs my toshibas and a cheaper one that charges the tablets/phones/anything else that needs less than 1.5A and 12V.

    got em all from jaycar
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  3. 24th March 2013, 09:14 PM #3
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    As Dave writes above, Jaycar shops have a 12v adjustable step up adapter which can be adjusted through the usual laptop charging voltages - we have one and it seems to work OK - we use it at 18v for the Toshiba. I measured the voltage outputs from the device with a multimeter and they are quite accurate .

    Was about $60 in Feb.
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  4. 25th March 2013, 09:38 AM #4
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    just thought I should add this - some shops will try and talk you into a 12v/240v inverter to run off your 12v cig lighter to enable use of your supplied 240v charger - knowledgeable advice I received was not to do it !
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  5. 25th March 2013, 09:44 AM #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by 87County View Post
    just thought I should add this - some shops will try and talk you into a 12v/240v inverter to run off your 12v cig lighter to enable use of your supplied 240v charger - knowledgeable advice I received was not to do it !
    Why?
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  6. 25th March 2013, 10:01 AM #6
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    true sine wave inverters are fine for powering devices that also charge batteries but are dear compared to modified and square wave inverters.

    many people use modified sine wave inverters and don't have a problem but i have seen many laptops that have been damaged by them

    cheap modified sine wave and square wave inverters are a big no no if the device you are powering charges batteries.
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  7. 25th March 2013, 10:08 AM #7
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    The original power adapter for my work Dell laptop turned up its toes, so, when i ordered the replacement one, it came with all of the adapters, including a ciggy lighter plug.

    That then plugs into the power box, inplace of the mains cable.

    Works well. This one is Dell specific, but i would think major brands would have something similar.
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  8. 25th March 2013, 04:10 PM #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Basil135 View Post
    it came with all of the adapters, including a ciggy lighter plug.
    Hi,
    I should have ordered mine with one of those - it was available at the time.
    Instead I ended up buying one of the multi-adapters from Jaycar, which works well, but the laptop input plug is a loose fit and keeps dropping out. Grrrrrrrrr!

    I do run my wireless broadband straight from 12V when camping though. It will only ever get the battery voltage as I can't imagine using it when driving.

    cheers
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  9. 25th March 2013, 04:21 PM #9
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    I was just looking at these yesterday and saw this one but didnt know what to think of it
    100W laptop Universal AC/DC Power Adapter Car Charger for Dell Asus Lenovo | eBay
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  10. 25th March 2013, 04:48 PM #10
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    Hey, Chops.
    Is this for the trip? Will you be buying one tomorrow?
    If you buy one, would you mind buying two?
    I have a Toshiba Satellite A300.
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